There are some things that everyone I know in Australia seems to own that you just can't easily find in the UK – such as this rotary apple peeler (pictured left).
I was so frustrated with looking that last time I was home I even tried to buy one, but thankfully the shop was sold out.
They're quite heavy and not really the kind of thing you want in your luggage opn the way back, especially with all those packets of TimTams and Twisties.
Which is why I am so excited to have discovered Labour and Wait – a UK shop (and website) devoted to “timeless, functional products for daily life”.
There's not a bit of plastic to be seen – everything is made from wood or enamel or metal and consequently not only looks great, but will last as long as you do.
And the products are genuinely useful – this peeler, for instance, peels, slices and cores an apple in a few turns of the handle.
I know you can do the same with a knife, but there are some times when life is just too short - especially when you have children to keep quiet.
Also on the site are products with wonderful names like an egg coddler and garden trug.
You may not know what they are now, but very soon I bet you'll be wondering how you ever managed without them!